At the St. Johns County Property Appraiser’s Office, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining transparency about how we collect, use, and share your information. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, your rights under Florida law, and how you can contact us regarding your privacy concerns.
Information We Collect
We collect both personal and non-personal information in the course of providing property assessment services and public records access.
A. Personal Information
Personal information may include:
- Your name
- Mailing address
- Email address (if submitted via our contact forms)
- Phone number
- Documents submitted for exemption applications (e.g., driver’s license, voter ID, utility bills)
B. Public Record Data
Under Florida’s public records laws (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), many documents we maintain are public and include:
- Property ownership records
- Parcel maps and addresses
- Assessed and market values
- Applied exemptions
- Legal property descriptions
Note: Florida law considers most communications with government offices public records. If you send us an email, that email address may be subject to disclosure upon request unless an exemption applies.
C. Website Usage Data
When visiting our website, we may collect:
- Browser type and version
- IP address
- Date and time of access
- Pages visited
- Cookies and similar tracking data (only for analytics purposes)
This data helps us monitor website performance and improve user experience.
How We Use Your Information
The information we collect is used to:
- Administer property tax assessments
- Process exemption applications
- Respond to public records or customer service requests
- Publish and update the property tax roll
- Improve our website and services
- Comply with legal obligations under Florida law
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third-party marketers. Any disclosures are limited to legal requirements or as necessary to perform governmental duties.
Public Records Disclosure
Florida has a very broad public records law. As a government entity, most documents we receive and produce, including emails and property records, are subject to public disclosure unless specifically exempted by statute.
Certain personal data may be exempt from disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Medical information
- Driver’s license numbers
- Confidential addresses for law enforcement, judicial officers, victims of domestic violence, etc.
If you fall under one of these categories and wish to protect your address or personal details, please contact our office to file a confidentiality request.
Data Security
We take reasonable precautions to protect the integrity and confidentiality of your data. Security measures include:
- SSL encryption on website forms
- Secure internal networks
- Restricted access to sensitive documents
- Regular data backups and system monitoring
Despite these measures, no method of transmission or storage can be guaranteed 100% secure.
Use of Cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
- To remember user preferences
- To analyze website traffic via tools like Google Analytics
- To enhance usability for returning visitors
You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit some functionality of our website.
External Links
Our website may contain links to external websites (e.g., Tax Collector, VAB, GIS platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party websites. Users are encouraged to read their individual privacy policies before sharing any personal information.
Your Rights and Choices
Under Florida law, you have the right to:
- Request access to your public records
- Request corrections to inaccurate property records
- Submit documentation to claim exemptions
- File for protection if your information is exempt from public disclosure
To exercise any of these rights, please contact our office using the information below.
Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your data is used, please contact us:
St. Johns County Property Appraiser
4030 Lewis Speedway, Suite 203
St. Augustine, FL 32084
📞 Phone: (904) 827-5500
📧 Email: Contact form available at www.sjcpa.gov
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any significant changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. We encourage users to check this page periodically to stay informed about our privacy practices.
By using our website or submitting your information to the St. Johns County Property Appraiser’s Office, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.